The Role of Social Pressure in Risky Student Behavior

“What were they thinking?”

It’s a question that gets asked again and again when hearing about college students engaging in risky behaviors. Looking back, it can seem obvious that a particular choice was unsafe. But decision-making isn’t always that simple.

Safety isn’t the only factor college students consider when making decisions. Friends, group dynamics, and social pressures can all influence behavior–and sometimes persuade someone to make a choice they know is risky or dangerous.

The Power of Peer Pressure

Peer pressure can be direct or indirect. Direct peer pressure is probably what comes to mind first: someone explicitly asks or tells another person to do something. Maybe a friend is yelling, “Chug, chug, chug!” Or a teammate challenges someone to do a backflip in front of the whole team.

Indirect peer pressure can be harder to recognize but just as powerful. For example, a student might start smoking because they want to fit in with a new group where other members smoke.

This dynamic is present in hazing, too. Sometimes veteran members tell new members they don’t have to participate in a hazing activity, such as eating something disgusting. On the surface, it might look like the new member has a choice. But the desire to fit in and be accepted can create enormous pressure to go along with it.

That’s one reason there is no meaningful consent to hazing. When social pressure and the fear of rejection are involved, the choice isn’t truly free.

Making Choices Under Pressure

Social pressure can make it difficult for students to make decisions based solely on what they want or believe is right for them. The fear of disappointing friends, being excluded, or facing social consequences can outweigh other considerations–including safety.

So, how can students make choices that reflect their own values, even when those choices go against the crowd?

Here are three strategies that may help.

1. Surround themselves with people who respect their boundaries

When students find friends who share their values and respect their boundaries, it can help them feel confident standing by their choices. Peer influence isn't always negative; the right people can make it easier to be themselves.

2. Practice saying “no”

Saying no can feel uncomfortable, especially in a high-pressure situation. Students may benefit from practicing in lower-stakes situations. It could be as simple as saying, “Sorry, I can’t get ice cream tonight. I have too much homework.” The more comfortable students become with setting boundaries, the easier it may be to speak up when the stakes are higher.

3. Pause and do a self-check in

Before going along with something, students may ask themselves: “Am I doing this because I want to or because they want me to?” Taking a moment to reflect can help students recognize how they feel about a choice.

Resisting social pressure isn’t always easy. Sometimes, going along with the group can feel like the simplest way to avoid embarrassment, rejection, or conflict. That doesn't mean students are powerless. Supportive friendships, boundary-setting, and self-reflection can help students make decisions that align with their values and keep them safe.

And when we’re trying to understand someone else’s risky decision, instead of simply asking, “What were they thinking?” it may be worth asking, “What pressures were they facing when they made that choice?”